Axel Stordahl (August 8, 1913– August 30, 1963) was an arranger who was active from the late 1930s through the 1950s. He is perhaps best known for his work with Frank Sinatra in the 1940s at Columbia Records. With his sophisticated orchestrations, Stordahl is credited with helping to bring pop arranging into the modern age.
Early years
Stordahl was born in Staten Island, New York to Norwegian immigrant parents. He began his career as a trumpeter in jazz bands which played in several dance bands around Long Island and the Catskills during the late 1920s and early 1930s. He also began arranging around this time, and in 1933 he joined Bert Bloch's orchestra in both capacities. Over the next couple of years, Stordahl sang on the side in a vocal trio dubbed the Three Esquires.
Big bands
In 1935, he joined Tommy Dorsey's new orchestra and soon became the band's main arranger. In January 1940, Sinatra joined the group as vocalist, and it became apparent that Stordahl's arrangements were particularly well suited to the singer's voice.
The song seems to refer to the ending of Prohibition in the United States. Mentioned discreetly in the song's introduction is that people could be "carefree and gay once again". The song was written in 1934, and the 21st Amendment, which ended Prohibition, was ratified a year earlier in 1933.
Alternative versions
"Cocktails for Two" is best remembered today due to the comic, sound effects-laden version by Spike Jones and His City Slickers. The Slickers first recorded it in 1944 with Carl Grayson supplying the vocal. It was their biggest all-time hit, reaching number 4 on the charts, according to Joel Whitburn. Sam Coslow hated Jones' irreverent treatment.
Even so, the recording's success earned him large royalties.
Cocktails For Two - Tommy Dorsey and His Orch. (Victor)
Recorded in 1938. Tommy Dorsey's first band was formed out of the remains of the Joe Haymes band. The new band was popular from almost the moment it signed with RCA Victor with "On Treasure Island", the first of four hits for the new band in 1935. The Dorsey band had a national radio presence in 1936 first from Dallas and then from Los Angeles. Tommy Dorsey and his Orchestra took over comedian Jack Pearl's radio show in 1937.
By 1939, Dorsey was aware of criticism that his band lacked a jazz feeling. He hired arranger Sy Oliver away from the Jimmie Lunceford band. Sy Oliver's arrangements include "On The Sunny Side of the Street" and "T.D.'s Boogie Woogie"; Oliver also composed two of the new band's signature instrumentals, "Well, Git It" and "Opus One". In 1940, Dorsey hired singer Fra...
published: 27 Apr 2011
Axel Stordahl and His Orchestra ''Dreamtime The Strings of Stordahl'' 1953
Pistas
A1 As Time Goes By
A2 A Blues Serenade
A3 It's Easy To Remember
A4 That Old Feeling
B1 Imagination
B2 What Is There To Say
B3 Love Letters
B4 I'm Getting Sentimental Over You
published: 05 Dec 2019
I Begged Her (1945) - Frank Sinatra
from Columbia 36774 78 rpm
orchestra directed by Axel Stordahl
Music by Jule Styne - Lyrics by Sammy Cahn
published: 23 Jul 2020
It's a Long Way (From Your House to My House)
Provided to YouTube by Vocal Classics
It's a Long Way (From Your House to My House) · Frank Sinatra with Axel Stordahl & His Orchestra · Sid Tepper · Roy Brodsky · Sid Tepper · Roy Brodsky
I Hear a Rhapsody (The Columbia Years, Vol .13)
℗ Crates Digger Music Group
Released on: 2011-01-01
Auto-generated by YouTube.
published: 12 Jun 2018
Frank Sinatra "The Night We Called It A Day"
"The Night We Called It a Day" written by Matt Dennis and Tom Adair in 1941 was recorded by Frank Sinatra on January 19, 1942, October 26, 1947, and April 10, 1957. The first version was from Sinatra's first solo session, when he also recorded "The Song is You." Night and Day," and The Lamplighter's Serenade," and is similar to this version, the second, as both were arranged and conducted by Axel Stordahl. The final version, arranged and conducted by Gordon Jenkins, appeared on the Where Are You? album. This sound recording is administered by SME & INgrooves.
No copyright infringement is intended. This purpose of this upload is for viewer enjoyment and education not for monetary gain.
published: 08 Jan 2012
I Should Care
Provided to YouTube by Rebeat Digital GmbH
I Should Care · Frank Sinatra
Frank Is Back Vol. 1
℗ HSWK digital
Released on: 2013-05-12
Composer: Cahn
Composer: Stordahl
Composer: Weston
Lyricist: Cahn
Lyricist: Stordahl
Lyricist: Weston
Auto-generated by YouTube.
published: 28 Jan 2015
Tea for Two
Provided to YouTube by The Orchard Enterprises
Tea for Two · Lester Young · The Nat King Cole Trio
These Foolish Things
℗ 2012 Entertain Me Europe LTD
Released on: 2012-05-08
Auto-generated by YouTube.
published: 25 Feb 2015
Tea for Two
Provided to YouTube by Universe Remasterings
Tea for Two · Lester Young · Vincent Youmans · Irving Caesar
The Complete Lester Young Studio Sessions On Verve
℗ Universe Remasterings
Released on: 2012-01-01
Auto-generated by YouTube.
published: 23 May 2014
My baby cares for me/Tea for two by Tommy Dorsey Orchestra
78 rpm record
published: 11 Apr 2022
Day by Day (Remastered 2018)
Provided to YouTube by J. Joes J. Edizioni Musicali
Day by Day (Remastered 2018) · Ray Anthony
Plays For Dancers In Love
℗ J. Joes J. Edizioni Musicali
Released on: 2018-07-31
Composer: Sammy Cahn / Axel Stordahl / Paul Weston
Auto-generated by YouTube.
Recorded in 1938. Tommy Dorsey's first band was formed out of the remains of the Joe Haymes band. The new band was popular from almost the moment it signed with...
Recorded in 1938. Tommy Dorsey's first band was formed out of the remains of the Joe Haymes band. The new band was popular from almost the moment it signed with RCA Victor with "On Treasure Island", the first of four hits for the new band in 1935. The Dorsey band had a national radio presence in 1936 first from Dallas and then from Los Angeles. Tommy Dorsey and his Orchestra took over comedian Jack Pearl's radio show in 1937.
By 1939, Dorsey was aware of criticism that his band lacked a jazz feeling. He hired arranger Sy Oliver away from the Jimmie Lunceford band. Sy Oliver's arrangements include "On The Sunny Side of the Street" and "T.D.'s Boogie Woogie"; Oliver also composed two of the new band's signature instrumentals, "Well, Git It" and "Opus One". In 1940, Dorsey hired singer Frank Sinatra from bandleader Harry James. Frank Sinatra made eighty recordings from 1940 to 1942 with the Dorsey band. Two of those eighty songs are "In The Blue of Evening" and "This Love of Mine". Frank Sinatra achieved his first great success as a vocalist in the Dorsey band and claimed he learned breath control from watching Dorsey play trombone. In turn Dorsey said his trombone style was heavily influenced by that of Jack Teagarden. Among Dorsey's staff of arrangers was Axel Stordahl who arranged for Frank Sinatra in his Columbia and Capitol records years. Another member of the Dorsey band was trombonist Nelson Riddle, who later had a partnership as one of Sinatra's arrangers and conductors in the 1950s and afterwards. Another noted Dorsey arranger, who in the 1950s, married and was professionally associated with Dorsey veteran Jo Stafford, was Paul Weston. Bill Finegan, an arranger who left Glenn Miller's civilian band, arranged for the Tommy Dorsey band from 1942 to 1950.
Recorded in 1938. Tommy Dorsey's first band was formed out of the remains of the Joe Haymes band. The new band was popular from almost the moment it signed with RCA Victor with "On Treasure Island", the first of four hits for the new band in 1935. The Dorsey band had a national radio presence in 1936 first from Dallas and then from Los Angeles. Tommy Dorsey and his Orchestra took over comedian Jack Pearl's radio show in 1937.
By 1939, Dorsey was aware of criticism that his band lacked a jazz feeling. He hired arranger Sy Oliver away from the Jimmie Lunceford band. Sy Oliver's arrangements include "On The Sunny Side of the Street" and "T.D.'s Boogie Woogie"; Oliver also composed two of the new band's signature instrumentals, "Well, Git It" and "Opus One". In 1940, Dorsey hired singer Frank Sinatra from bandleader Harry James. Frank Sinatra made eighty recordings from 1940 to 1942 with the Dorsey band. Two of those eighty songs are "In The Blue of Evening" and "This Love of Mine". Frank Sinatra achieved his first great success as a vocalist in the Dorsey band and claimed he learned breath control from watching Dorsey play trombone. In turn Dorsey said his trombone style was heavily influenced by that of Jack Teagarden. Among Dorsey's staff of arrangers was Axel Stordahl who arranged for Frank Sinatra in his Columbia and Capitol records years. Another member of the Dorsey band was trombonist Nelson Riddle, who later had a partnership as one of Sinatra's arrangers and conductors in the 1950s and afterwards. Another noted Dorsey arranger, who in the 1950s, married and was professionally associated with Dorsey veteran Jo Stafford, was Paul Weston. Bill Finegan, an arranger who left Glenn Miller's civilian band, arranged for the Tommy Dorsey band from 1942 to 1950.
Pistas
A1 As Time Goes By
A2 A Blues Serenade
A3 It's Easy To Remember
A4 That Old Feeling
B1 Imagination
B2 What Is There To Say
B3 Love Letters
B4 I'm ...
Pistas
A1 As Time Goes By
A2 A Blues Serenade
A3 It's Easy To Remember
A4 That Old Feeling
B1 Imagination
B2 What Is There To Say
B3 Love Letters
B4 I'm Getting Sentimental Over You
Pistas
A1 As Time Goes By
A2 A Blues Serenade
A3 It's Easy To Remember
A4 That Old Feeling
B1 Imagination
B2 What Is There To Say
B3 Love Letters
B4 I'm Getting Sentimental Over You
Provided to YouTube by Vocal Classics
It's a Long Way (From Your House to My House) · Frank Sinatra with Axel Stordahl & His Orchestra · Sid Tepper · Roy Brods...
Provided to YouTube by Vocal Classics
It's a Long Way (From Your House to My House) · Frank Sinatra with Axel Stordahl & His Orchestra · Sid Tepper · Roy Brodsky · Sid Tepper · Roy Brodsky
I Hear a Rhapsody (The Columbia Years, Vol .13)
℗ Crates Digger Music Group
Released on: 2011-01-01
Auto-generated by YouTube.
Provided to YouTube by Vocal Classics
It's a Long Way (From Your House to My House) · Frank Sinatra with Axel Stordahl & His Orchestra · Sid Tepper · Roy Brodsky · Sid Tepper · Roy Brodsky
I Hear a Rhapsody (The Columbia Years, Vol .13)
℗ Crates Digger Music Group
Released on: 2011-01-01
Auto-generated by YouTube.
"The Night We Called It a Day" written by Matt Dennis and Tom Adair in 1941 was recorded by Frank Sinatra on January 19, 1942, October 26, 1947, and April 10, 1...
"The Night We Called It a Day" written by Matt Dennis and Tom Adair in 1941 was recorded by Frank Sinatra on January 19, 1942, October 26, 1947, and April 10, 1957. The first version was from Sinatra's first solo session, when he also recorded "The Song is You." Night and Day," and The Lamplighter's Serenade," and is similar to this version, the second, as both were arranged and conducted by Axel Stordahl. The final version, arranged and conducted by Gordon Jenkins, appeared on the Where Are You? album. This sound recording is administered by SME & INgrooves.
No copyright infringement is intended. This purpose of this upload is for viewer enjoyment and education not for monetary gain.
"The Night We Called It a Day" written by Matt Dennis and Tom Adair in 1941 was recorded by Frank Sinatra on January 19, 1942, October 26, 1947, and April 10, 1957. The first version was from Sinatra's first solo session, when he also recorded "The Song is You." Night and Day," and The Lamplighter's Serenade," and is similar to this version, the second, as both were arranged and conducted by Axel Stordahl. The final version, arranged and conducted by Gordon Jenkins, appeared on the Where Are You? album. This sound recording is administered by SME & INgrooves.
No copyright infringement is intended. This purpose of this upload is for viewer enjoyment and education not for monetary gain.
Provided to YouTube by Rebeat Digital GmbH
I Should Care · Frank Sinatra
Frank Is Back Vol. 1
℗ HSWK digital
Released on: 2013-05-12
Composer: Cahn
Compose...
Provided to YouTube by Rebeat Digital GmbH
I Should Care · Frank Sinatra
Frank Is Back Vol. 1
℗ HSWK digital
Released on: 2013-05-12
Composer: Cahn
Composer: Stordahl
Composer: Weston
Lyricist: Cahn
Lyricist: Stordahl
Lyricist: Weston
Auto-generated by YouTube.
Provided to YouTube by Rebeat Digital GmbH
I Should Care · Frank Sinatra
Frank Is Back Vol. 1
℗ HSWK digital
Released on: 2013-05-12
Composer: Cahn
Composer: Stordahl
Composer: Weston
Lyricist: Cahn
Lyricist: Stordahl
Lyricist: Weston
Auto-generated by YouTube.
Provided to YouTube by The Orchard Enterprises
Tea for Two · Lester Young · The Nat King Cole Trio
These Foolish Things
℗ 2012 Entertain Me Europe LTD
Relea...
Provided to YouTube by The Orchard Enterprises
Tea for Two · Lester Young · The Nat King Cole Trio
These Foolish Things
℗ 2012 Entertain Me Europe LTD
Released on: 2012-05-08
Auto-generated by YouTube.
Provided to YouTube by The Orchard Enterprises
Tea for Two · Lester Young · The Nat King Cole Trio
These Foolish Things
℗ 2012 Entertain Me Europe LTD
Released on: 2012-05-08
Auto-generated by YouTube.
Provided to YouTube by Universe Remasterings
Tea for Two · Lester Young · Vincent Youmans · Irving Caesar
The Complete Lester Young Studio Sessions On Verve
...
Provided to YouTube by Universe Remasterings
Tea for Two · Lester Young · Vincent Youmans · Irving Caesar
The Complete Lester Young Studio Sessions On Verve
℗ Universe Remasterings
Released on: 2012-01-01
Auto-generated by YouTube.
Provided to YouTube by Universe Remasterings
Tea for Two · Lester Young · Vincent Youmans · Irving Caesar
The Complete Lester Young Studio Sessions On Verve
℗ Universe Remasterings
Released on: 2012-01-01
Auto-generated by YouTube.
Provided to YouTube by J. Joes J. Edizioni Musicali
Day by Day (Remastered 2018) · Ray Anthony
Plays For Dancers In Love
℗ J. Joes J. Edizioni Musicali
Rele...
Provided to YouTube by J. Joes J. Edizioni Musicali
Day by Day (Remastered 2018) · Ray Anthony
Plays For Dancers In Love
℗ J. Joes J. Edizioni Musicali
Released on: 2018-07-31
Composer: Sammy Cahn / Axel Stordahl / Paul Weston
Auto-generated by YouTube.
Provided to YouTube by J. Joes J. Edizioni Musicali
Day by Day (Remastered 2018) · Ray Anthony
Plays For Dancers In Love
℗ J. Joes J. Edizioni Musicali
Released on: 2018-07-31
Composer: Sammy Cahn / Axel Stordahl / Paul Weston
Auto-generated by YouTube.
Recorded in 1938. Tommy Dorsey's first band was formed out of the remains of the Joe Haymes band. The new band was popular from almost the moment it signed with RCA Victor with "On Treasure Island", the first of four hits for the new band in 1935. The Dorsey band had a national radio presence in 1936 first from Dallas and then from Los Angeles. Tommy Dorsey and his Orchestra took over comedian Jack Pearl's radio show in 1937.
By 1939, Dorsey was aware of criticism that his band lacked a jazz feeling. He hired arranger Sy Oliver away from the Jimmie Lunceford band. Sy Oliver's arrangements include "On The Sunny Side of the Street" and "T.D.'s Boogie Woogie"; Oliver also composed two of the new band's signature instrumentals, "Well, Git It" and "Opus One". In 1940, Dorsey hired singer Frank Sinatra from bandleader Harry James. Frank Sinatra made eighty recordings from 1940 to 1942 with the Dorsey band. Two of those eighty songs are "In The Blue of Evening" and "This Love of Mine". Frank Sinatra achieved his first great success as a vocalist in the Dorsey band and claimed he learned breath control from watching Dorsey play trombone. In turn Dorsey said his trombone style was heavily influenced by that of Jack Teagarden. Among Dorsey's staff of arrangers was Axel Stordahl who arranged for Frank Sinatra in his Columbia and Capitol records years. Another member of the Dorsey band was trombonist Nelson Riddle, who later had a partnership as one of Sinatra's arrangers and conductors in the 1950s and afterwards. Another noted Dorsey arranger, who in the 1950s, married and was professionally associated with Dorsey veteran Jo Stafford, was Paul Weston. Bill Finegan, an arranger who left Glenn Miller's civilian band, arranged for the Tommy Dorsey band from 1942 to 1950.
Pistas
A1 As Time Goes By
A2 A Blues Serenade
A3 It's Easy To Remember
A4 That Old Feeling
B1 Imagination
B2 What Is There To Say
B3 Love Letters
B4 I'm Getting Sentimental Over You
Provided to YouTube by Vocal Classics
It's a Long Way (From Your House to My House) · Frank Sinatra with Axel Stordahl & His Orchestra · Sid Tepper · Roy Brodsky · Sid Tepper · Roy Brodsky
I Hear a Rhapsody (The Columbia Years, Vol .13)
℗ Crates Digger Music Group
Released on: 2011-01-01
Auto-generated by YouTube.
"The Night We Called It a Day" written by Matt Dennis and Tom Adair in 1941 was recorded by Frank Sinatra on January 19, 1942, October 26, 1947, and April 10, 1957. The first version was from Sinatra's first solo session, when he also recorded "The Song is You." Night and Day," and The Lamplighter's Serenade," and is similar to this version, the second, as both were arranged and conducted by Axel Stordahl. The final version, arranged and conducted by Gordon Jenkins, appeared on the Where Are You? album. This sound recording is administered by SME & INgrooves.
No copyright infringement is intended. This purpose of this upload is for viewer enjoyment and education not for monetary gain.
Provided to YouTube by Rebeat Digital GmbH
I Should Care · Frank Sinatra
Frank Is Back Vol. 1
℗ HSWK digital
Released on: 2013-05-12
Composer: Cahn
Composer: Stordahl
Composer: Weston
Lyricist: Cahn
Lyricist: Stordahl
Lyricist: Weston
Auto-generated by YouTube.
Provided to YouTube by The Orchard Enterprises
Tea for Two · Lester Young · The Nat King Cole Trio
These Foolish Things
℗ 2012 Entertain Me Europe LTD
Released on: 2012-05-08
Auto-generated by YouTube.
Provided to YouTube by Universe Remasterings
Tea for Two · Lester Young · Vincent Youmans · Irving Caesar
The Complete Lester Young Studio Sessions On Verve
℗ Universe Remasterings
Released on: 2012-01-01
Auto-generated by YouTube.
Provided to YouTube by J. Joes J. Edizioni Musicali
Day by Day (Remastered 2018) · Ray Anthony
Plays For Dancers In Love
℗ J. Joes J. Edizioni Musicali
Released on: 2018-07-31
Composer: Sammy Cahn / Axel Stordahl / Paul Weston
Auto-generated by YouTube.
Axel Stordahl (August 8, 1913– August 30, 1963) was an arranger who was active from the late 1930s through the 1950s. He is perhaps best known for his work with Frank Sinatra in the 1940s at Columbia Records. With his sophisticated orchestrations, Stordahl is credited with helping to bring pop arranging into the modern age.
Early years
Stordahl was born in Staten Island, New York to Norwegian immigrant parents. He began his career as a trumpeter in jazz bands which played in several dance bands around Long Island and the Catskills during the late 1920s and early 1930s. He also began arranging around this time, and in 1933 he joined Bert Bloch's orchestra in both capacities. Over the next couple of years, Stordahl sang on the side in a vocal trio dubbed the Three Esquires.
Big bands
In 1935, he joined Tommy Dorsey's new orchestra and soon became the band's main arranger. In January 1940, Sinatra joined the group as vocalist, and it became apparent that Stordahl's arrangements were particularly well suited to the singer's voice.
SPOKEN INTRO: 'twas the night before Christmas and all through the house Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse Suddenly I heard a strange noise down below So, in my flannel pajamas I went tippy-toe I could see old Saint Nick from the spot where I stood So I slid down the banister just as fast as I could SUNG: All I want for Christmas is my two front teeth My two front teeth, ee, my two front teeth? Gee, if I could only have my two front teeth Then I could wish you Merry Chritmas It seems so long since I could say "isteruzy itting on a thitle Every time I try to peak Huh, all I do is whitle All I want for Christmas is my two front teeth My two front teeth ee my two front teeth? Gee, if I could only have my two front teeth Then I could wish you Merry Chritmas tongue click, bicycle bell, and an "oh, no!" "Jingle Bells" resumes in the second line of a verse horse whinny and a sneeze "Jingle Bells" resumes in the second line of a verse horse whinny and a sneeze "Jingle Bells" completes its verse SPOKEN: Good old Santa Claus and all his reindeer Huh, they used to bring me lots of toys and candy Gee, but, but now when I go out and call "Dancer, Prancer, Donnner and Blitzen" None of 'em can undertand me All I want for Christmas is my two front teeth My two front teeth, ee my two front teeth? All I want for Christmas is my two front teeth So I can wish you Merry Chritmas Chritmas, Chritmas Aww, for goodness sakes